Third Annual Buffalo Dance Festival to be Held July 30 in CFA

BUFFALO, N.Y. -- The Center for the Arts at the University at Buffalo announces the third annual Buffalo Dance Festival on Saturday, July 30, in the Mainstage Theatre in the Center for the Arts, UB North Campus. This year the festival will feature LehrerDance, Configuration Dance Theatre, Bill Evans Dance Company and Melanie Aceto Contemporary Dance. These four professional companies will join forces to create an exciting and dynamic performance.

The festival has expanded to include additional companies and the roster of master teachers includes special guest teacher Christina Johnson of Complexions Dance Company and the Dance Theatre of Harlem. The festival combines a collaborative performance experience and offers master class workshops throughout the day to pre-professional and professional dancers and educators. New to the festival is a special week-long choreographic intensive with performance opportunities. With a unifying spirit in mind, the Buffalo Dance Festival is enhancing the rich dance history and culture of Western New York.

Master Classes

Master classes offered by artistic directors Joseph Cipolla of Configuration Dance Theatre, Jon Lehrer of LehrerDance, Bill Evans of Bill Evans Dance Company and special guest, Christina Johnson of Cedar Lake Ballet and Dance Theatre of Harlem will take place the day of the festival. Workshop space is limited and is offered on a first-come first-served basis. The cost for the Master Class package is $70, and includes a ticket to the evening performance.

Choreographic Intensive

New to the festival this year is the opportunity to take part in a five-day Choreographic Intensive with artistic directors Joseph Cipolla of Configuration Dance Theatre and Jon Lehrer of LehrerDance. Participants will debut a new work specially choreographed by the artistic directors in the festival. University housing is available. Choreographic Intensive space is limited and is offered on a first-come first-served basis. The cost of the Choreographic Intensive is $300 and includes the Master Class Workshop and a performance ticket on the day of the festival.

For more information on registration for the Master Class Workshop and/or Choreographic Intensive, call 716-883-4510 or email buffalodancefest@gmail.com

Tickets for Buffalo Dance Festival are $23.50 for the general public, and $18.50 for students. Tickets are available at the Center for the Arts Box Office (Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.) and all Ticketmaster locations, including ticketmaster.com. To charge tickets, call 1-800-745-3000; in Canada call 416-870-8000. For group sales, call 716-645-6771. For more information, call 716-645-2787.